This article presents a model of a pretechnical curriculum, which has as its focus the self-empowerment of the individual, and describes how this curriculum could be implemented in the schools. Discusses the three curriculum categories: generalizable skills, transition skills, and problem-solving skills. (CT)

Highlights of this issue include: (1) Accommodating College Students with Cochlear Implants (Catherine Clark); (2) The Director's Column (Dianne Brooks); (3) Upcoming Events by State; (4) Practice What you Preach! (Jane Jarrow); (5) NETAC Central Office/Site Coordinators tear-out page; and (6) "Starting Off on the Right Foot" Program…

This information brief addresses how educators can align transition goals with standards-based education. The Nisonger Center at Ohio State University (OSU) has developed a standards-driven, computer-based curriculum for students with disabilities in grades 8 through 10, whose curriculum emphasizes (1) reading competencies needed to pass…

After more than two decades of federal transition legislation, students with disabilities continue to have significantly poorer postschool outcomes as compared to their peers without disabilities. One reason for these outcomes is that educators are inadequately prepared to provide the services required under the Individuals with Disabilities…

Community mapping is a tool grounded in a school-to-careers research base that can aid educators' efforts in matching students' transition needs with community assets. Community mapping (geographical or abstract) is a contextualized teaching and learning (CTL) approach that can acquaint teachers with the target community's culture, resources,…

In response to recent calls in the field of special education for the development and expansion of services for older students with intellectual disabilities, local school systems nationwide have begun to provide transition services to students ages 18 and older with intellectual disabilities in postsecondary settings such as two- and four-year…

As our society becomes more mobile, smooth and rewarding student transitions become more important. This article describes a partnership between U. S. Army Child and Youth Services and the Military Child Education Coalition that helps schools ease transitions for thousands of students. The program is based on the principle that transition does not…

This report and associated materials describe a project to develop and deliver a self-directed transition planning curriculum for high school students with and without disabilities. The NEXT S.T.E.P. (Student Transition & Educational Planning) curriculum was field tested with 300 teachers and 5,000 students in several states. Activities and…

The objective of the Australian Commonwealth's Full Service Schools (FSS) Program has been to provide additional support to schools to develop innovative programs and arrangements that address the specific needs of students who are considered at risk of not completing Year 12 to a satisfactory level. The target group has been students primarily 16…

This paper describes the development and implementation of the public input process at Gallaudet University's Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. It shows how the public input process was applied to one of the Clerc Center's priority areas, the transition from school to postsecondary education and employment. Part 1 of the paper…

American society is becoming increasingly diverse. With only 62% of the college going youngsters being White, there is need for aggressive strategies to recruit and retain faculty who are diverse. Diversity has several educational benefits. It enriches students' educational experiences, offers multiple perspectives, promotes personal growth and…

This guide to whole life planning for people with disabilities describes whole life planning as a person-centered way of assisting people with disabilities to plan for their future. Whole life planning relies on the involvement of a small group of committed people who are willing to act as advocates and resources to the focal person. The manual…

This document includes a three-part set of Parent Briefs that focus on supplemental security income. The first Brief (published in March 2003)provides basic information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the federal income support program for people who have disabilities and limited income and resources. It identifies myths about SSI…

This document comprises the remarks of Richard Riley, the U.S. Secretary of Education, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on September 7, 2000 for his annual "Back-to-School" speech. Presented in four parts, the speech focuses on important transitions through children's education. Part 1 maintains that it is imperative that a…

During the transition period from secondary school to university many students experience stress associated with academic concerns and encounter difficulties adjusting to an environment that presents new academic and social demands. First year university students (N=170) attending an Australian university participated in the study. Students' level…